Crop progress report 08/06: Sporadic Rain Reported, But Dry Conditions Remained Throughout Washington 

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, unchanged from the previous week. Western Washington reported dry conditions, with minimal rain not having a significant impact. Both corn and organic crops showed signs of stress. Central Washington experienced another dry and hot week. The Newell Fire was contained, with the final burned acreage estimated as 61,000 total acres. Winter wheat harvest was in full swing. The second and third cutting of alfalfa hay was on irrigated ground as there was not enough precipitation to see any regrowth on nonirrigated acreage. Pasture ran very short, and the lack of spring moisture made for poor crop conditions. In Yakima County, daily temperatures were in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Sweet cherry harvest peaked, and the harvest of other stone fruit crops picked up. Harvest bins were moved into orchards of Bartlett pears and early apple varieties. Vegetable crop diversity peaked with cucumbers, summer squashes, peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, and melons in farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Hop cones formed and matured in most yards. In east central Washington, thunderstorms were reported through the weekend. Northeast Washington felt continued dry conditions. Pastures looked well grazed with little regrowth due to the lack of rain. Southeast Washington experienced dry conditions as well. 

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 3% very poor 24% poor 41% fair 30% good 2% excellent Spring wheat: 7% very poor 37% poor 29% fair 25% good 2% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 22% poor 37% fair 40% good 0% excellent Dry edible peas: 0% very poor 16% poor 40% fair 44% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 57% this week 36% last week 25% last year 49% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 19% this week 12% last week 5% last year 20% 5-year average Barley harvested: 20% this week 12% last week 13% last year 24% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 20% this week 10% last week 29% last year 49% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 91% this week 83% last week 80% last year 94% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 31% this week 20%NA last week 10% last year 37% 5-year average